Science & Society

  1. Science & Society

    Marie Tharp’s groundbreaking maps brought the seafloor to the world

    In part because of her gender, Tharp was the right person in the right place at the right time to make the first detailed maps of the ocean’s bottom.

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  2. Earth

    How the Earth-shaking theory of plate tectonics was born

    Plate tectonics explains many of Earth’s geologic wonders and natural hazards — and may hold clues to the evolution of life.

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  3. Science & Society

    ‘The Light Ages’ illuminates the science of the so-called Dark Ages

    In telling the story of a monk who contributed to astronomy, a new book shows that science didn’t take a break during the Middle Ages.

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  4. Science & Society

    How schools can reduce excessive discipline of Black students

    Black middle and high school students miss four times as much school as white children due to suspensions. What can be done to shrink the gap?

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  5. Science & Society

    2020’s science superlatives include the oldest, highest and grossest discoveries

    From the earliest modern bird to the highest-temperature superconductor, science set plenty of records in 2020.

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  6. Science & Society

    The science stories that defined 2020: coronavirus, diversity movements and more

    While this year was all about the coronavirus pandemic, climate change effects continued, diversity movements were born and research carried on.

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  7. Science & Society

    These science claims from 2020 could be big news if confirmed

    Scientific findings reported this year that still need more proof include potential signs of life on Venus and Earth’s oldest parasites.

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  8. Climate

    Wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes broke all kinds of records in 2020

    Climate change did not take a break during the pandemic.

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  9. Science & Society

    What will life be like after the coronavirus pandemic ends?

    Researchers offer a range of perspectives on the possible long-term social consequences of COVID-19.

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  10. Science & Society

    From Elvis worms to the Milky Way’s edge, these science stories sparked joy in 2020

    During a gloomy year dominated by a pandemic, these scientific discoveries were reminders that we live in a world of wonder.

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  11. Science & Society

    These 6 graphs show that Black scientists are underrepresented at every level

    In the U.S., Black people are underrepresented in STEM fields, both as students and in the workforce.

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  12. Science & Society

    Meet 5 Black researchers fighting for diversity and equity in science

    Here are a few of the people out to improve the professional lives of Black researchers.

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